Kim Jong Un’s absence triggers health rumours

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was absent from a gathering of top party and government officials yesterday, state television showed, fuelling speculation that health problems may be keeping the 31-year-old out of the public eye.

Kim had been expected to attend a meeting of the Supreme People’s Assembly, or parliament, which is the highest sovereign body, with powers to revise the constitution, make key appointments and approve the budget.

The meeting was the first Kim Jong Un has not attended since he came to power three years ago.

State television broadcast prolonged images of his chair standing vacant for the duration of the function.

Kim — who is considerably overweight — has not featured in state media broadcasts since appearing at a concert alongside his wife and former state entertainer Ri Sol Ju this month.

In July, he was seen walking with a limp at an event with key officials — leading some to speculate he may have the victim of a botched assassination attempt.